13 Trader Joe’s Frozen Items That Superfans Say You Should Skip

Trader Joe’s is known for its impressive selection of frozen foods, offering everything from global cuisine to quick and easy comfort meals. While many of their frozen items have a cult following, not everything in the freezer aisle is a winner. Some dishes fall short due to texture issues, bland flavors, or just not living up to the expectations set by the packaging. Superfans of Trader Joe’s have shared their experiences, warning others about certain frozen products that simply are not worth the hype. Before you stock up your freezer, here are some items superfans say you should probably skip.

Chicken Cheese & Green Chile Pupusa

Pupusas should be warm, cheesy, and full of flavor, but these just do not hit the mark. The filling is sparse, and many people find the cheese-to-chicken ratio unbalanced. The texture can be oddly rubbery, making them feel more like stuffed tortillas than proper pupusas. They also tend to cook unevenly, leaving some parts soggy and others dry. Even with salsa or slaw, they lack the rich, authentic taste you would expect. Many fans suggest skipping these and grabbing freshly made pupusas elsewhere.

Potato Pancakes

Trader Joe’s potato pancakes promise crispy, golden bites of comfort, but they rarely deliver. They can be bland and overly greasy, with a texture that is more chewy than crispy. Even when cooked properly, they tend to lack the deep, homemade flavor that makes latkes so special. Some shoppers say they taste more like hash browns in a flat patty shape than actual potato pancakes. The onions and seasoning are barely noticeable, making them one-dimensional. If you want great latkes, you might be better off making them from scratch.

Japchae Korean Glass Noodles & Vegetable Stir Fry

Korean japchae is known for its bouncy, chewy noodles and flavorful sauce, but this version does not live up to the hype. The noodles often turn mushy instead of staying springy and light. The vegetable mix is underwhelming, with too many carrots and not enough variety. Many find the seasoning too sweet, lacking the balance of soy, garlic, and sesame oil that makes japchae delicious. The portion size is also small for the price, leaving some customers disappointed. If you are craving japchae, you might want to make it fresh or find a better frozen alternative.

Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes should be creamy, rich, and comforting, but Trader Joe’s version does not quite get there. They come in frozen cubes, which seem convenient but often turn out gluey or grainy when reheated. Many people complain that the flavor is too bland, requiring extra butter, salt, and cream to taste decent. Even after seasoning, the texture is not quite as smooth as homemade mashed potatoes. Some fans appreciate the convenience, but most agree that making fresh mashed potatoes is worth the extra effort. If you are looking for easy mashed potatoes, instant mix might even be a better option.

Panzeroiti Pizza Bites

Trader Joe’s Panzeroiti Pizza Bites seem like a fun twist on classic pizza rolls, but they do not quite hit the spot. The dough is too thick and chewy, making them feel overly bready rather than crispy. The filling is sparse, with too little sauce and cheese to balance out all that dough. Some people find the flavor oddly sweet, which does not work well with the savory pizza ingredients. They also tend to leak filling when cooked, leading to a mess on your baking sheet. Fans of pizza snacks say you are better off with classic pizza rolls from another brand.

Vegetable Pad Thai

Pad Thai should be packed with bold flavors like tamarind, lime, and peanuts, but Trader Joe’s frozen version is missing something. The noodles are often too soft or clumped together, making them unpleasant to eat. The sauce is overly sweet without enough tangy or savory balance. The vegetables are sparse, and the dish lacks the fresh crunch that makes Pad Thai so delicious. Many fans of Thai food say this version just does not taste authentic. If you want good Pad Thai, ordering from a restaurant or making it yourself will give you much better results.

Black Bean & Cheese Taquitos

Trader Joe’s Black Bean & Cheese Taquitos seem like a convenient vegetarian snack, but they do not always deliver on flavor. The filling is often described as mushy, with the cheese barely noticeable and the beans lacking seasoning. The outer tortilla can be too dry and sometimes turns tough instead of crispy when baked. Some people find that they need a generous amount of salsa, guacamole, or sour cream to make them more enjoyable. The portion size is decent, but the overall taste leaves something to be desired. If you are looking for a satisfying taquito, you might have better luck with another brand or making your own at home.

Breaded Cheddar Cheese Curds

Cheese curds are a beloved snack, especially when freshly fried to achieve that perfect molten center and crispy exterior. Unfortunately, Trader Joe’s frozen version does not quite capture this magic. The breading often turns out chewy rather than crunchy, and the cheese inside lacks the gooey melt that makes fresh curds so delightful. Many find them bland and not worth the indulgence. They also tend to cook unevenly, leaving some bites overcooked and others still cold inside. If you are craving cheese curds, seeking out a freshly made batch might be more satisfying.

Italian Style Meatballs

Meatballs can be a hearty addition to various dishes, but these frozen Italian-style meatballs from Trader Joe’s have received mixed reviews. Some customers find the texture rubbery and the flavor unexpectedly bitter. While they offer convenience, the taste and mouthfeel might not meet the expectations of those accustomed to homemade or freshly prepared meatballs. The seasoning is inconsistent, and some batches taste overly salty or artificial. They also tend to release a lot of grease when cooked, which can leave your dish feeling heavy. For a more authentic experience, crafting your own meatballs or purchasing from a trusted deli could be a better choice.

Chicken Karaage

Chicken karaage is a Japanese dish known for its juicy, marinated chicken pieces fried to perfection. Trader Joe’s version, however, seems to miss the mark. The breading is often too thick and turns out chewy instead of light and crispy. Additionally, the chicken inside can be dry, lacking the tender succulence that makes karaage so enjoyable. Some fans also feel the seasoning is too mild, missing the classic garlic and ginger notes that define authentic karaage. For those seeking an authentic taste, trying a recipe at home or visiting a Japanese restaurant might be more rewarding.

Steamed Pork & Ginger Soup Dumplings

Trader Joe’s Steamed Pork & Ginger Soup Dumplings have a lot of hype, but they do not always live up to it. The biggest complaint is that the dumpling skin is too thick and can turn gummy instead of delicate and tender. While the broth inside has a nice gingery flavor, it is often too salty or lacking depth. Some people also find that the pork filling is dry or overly dense, missing the juicy bite that makes traditional soup dumplings delicious. The cooking process can also be tricky, as overheating them can cause the broth to leak out. If you are a fan of soup dumplings, you may be better off going to a dim sum restaurant for the real deal.

Cheese Filled Fiocchetti with Pink Sauce

Trader Joe’s Cheese Filled Fiocchetti with Pink Sauce looks like an indulgent pasta dish, but it does not always live up to expectations. The pasta itself can be overly soft or gummy, lacking the firm texture that makes fresh fiocchetti enjoyable. While the cheese filling is creamy, it is often too mild, getting lost in the sauce. The pink sauce, which should be a balanced blend of tomato and cream, tends to be overly sweet and artificial-tasting. Some people try to improve the dish by adding extra seasoning, but for the price, it may not be worth the effort.

Spicy Mexican-Style Riced Cauliflower

This frozen side dish aims to be a low-carb alternative to traditional rice but does not quite get it right. The texture of the riced cauliflower can turn mushy instead of fluffy, making it feel more like a puree than a rice substitute. While it is labeled as “spicy,” many find the flavor mild and underwhelming, with an artificial taste from the seasoning blend. It also has a slightly bitter aftertaste that makes it less enjoyable on its own. If you want a good cauliflower rice dish, making it fresh at home with your own spices will give much better results.

This article originally appeared on RetailShout.

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